Two Marlboro High School (MHS) FCCLA members proudly represented both their school and New York State at the 2026 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference held in Washington, D.C. from July 5–11.
Accompanied by advisers Chelsea Zehnacker and AnnMarie Giacoia, MHS students Ava Vicari and Fiona Rutigliano joined more than 10,000 FCCLA members from across the nation for a week of leadership training, networking, workshops, and national business sessions.
Throughout the conference, both students fulfilled their responsibilities as elected New York State Executive Council officers. Ava serves as the New York State Vice President of Community Service, while Fiona serves as the New York State Vice President of Membership and Alumni. A highlight of the week came when Fiona represented New York on the national stage, accepting a Membership Growth Award.
Students also played an active role in the National Business Session, where voting delegates debated proposed amendments to the FCCLA bylaws. New York delegates joined fellow members from across the Northeast Region at the microphones to voice concerns about a proposal that would have reduced state representation and limited members' voices within the national organization. Their thoughtful participation reflected FCCLA's commitment to student leadership and civic engagement, giving members firsthand experience with parliamentary procedure and the democratic process.
"The National Leadership Conference is about much more than attending workshops," said adviser Chelsea Zehnacker. "It gives students the opportunity to build confidence, develop lifelong leadership skills, and connect with peers from across the country. We are incredibly proud of Ava and Fiona for the way they represented Marlboro and New York State throughout the week."
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is unique among career and technical student organizations because it is directly tied to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. FCS courses equip students with practical life skills that extend far beyond the classroom, including financial literacy, nutrition and wellness, child development, leadership, hospitality, fashion, interior design, and career readiness. FCCLA allows students to apply these skills through service projects, competitive events, and leadership experiences, preparing them to become confident leaders in their homes, workplaces, and communities.